An international expansion in voluntary euthanasia/assisted dying: The implications for nursing

To provide an update on the international position of assisted dying legislation and its implications for nursing policy.

Assisted dying legislation has been introduced in health systems in Europe, North America and Australasia (Australia and New Zealand). Despite contributions in research literature, this remains focussed on medical practitioners, with limited acknowledgement of the need for policy development in nursing.

There is a need for critical evaluation of this contemporary issue and the significance for nursing practice of the lack of unified nursing perspective and robust policy guidance is identified. An overview of the existing role of voluntary euthanasia/assisted dying with recent developments is provided and the resulting concerns for nurses regarding the scope of practice, role confusion and conflicting professional values is considered.

Despite a long history of assisted dying and the continued expansion of these practices, limited and highly variable nursing policy highlights the lack of clear guidance available to nurses. The growing inclusion of nurse practitioners and recognition of registered nurse involvement in the care of individuals on an assisted dying pathway merits clearer support from regulatory authorities and professional organisations.

Nurses are the most likely health professionals to be approached with questions regarding assisted dying; they are intimately involved in patient experiences and need to understand what is possible, expected and legal in terms of their scope of practice regarding assisted dying.

Nursing regulators and professional representatives need to provide clear policy statements and guidance identifying the nursing role and recognising where protections and support are necessary.